Skimmer working right?

newsalt · 05-07-2004, 10:56 PM

I'm finally using the DIY counter current air-driven skimmer I built months ago. I'm using a maxi-jet 900 PW and a Rena 400 air pump. To me, the foam seems kinda wet. I don't know if wet is good or not. I've attached some pictures of the skimmer in operation hoping that I can get some opinions on it. When you look at the pictures, disregard the clamp I have on the water inlet line. I'm using that to slow down the water flow into the skimmer until the valve I ordered for Foster & Smith arrives. I've also indicated where the water level is on the reaction column.

Thanks for the input.

newsalt · 05-07-2004, 10:58 PM

picture of the collection cup:

DaveK · 05-08-2004, 06:54 AM

As I see it, your skimmer results seem more or less correct. Often when you start using a skimmer, you do get some wet foam, and this can be considered normal.

After a coupld of days, you should see a dryer, more brown foam collected.

I'd leave things alone for a few days, and see what happens. If you still think the foam is to wet, then cut back a little on the water flow into the skimmer.

One additional thought, you may wish to add a drain line from the collection cup to a larger container. This will keep you from having to empty the collection cup so often. Skimmers do remove a lot of crap from the water.

05-07-2004, 10:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
newsalt Torch coral Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 578 View Gallery Karma Komment	Skimmer working right? I'm finally using the DIY counter current air-driven skimmer I built months ago. I'm using a maxi-jet 900 PW and a Rena 400 air pump. To me, the foam seems kinda wet. I don't know if wet is good or not. I've attached some pictures of the skimmer in operation hoping that I can get some opinions on it. When you look at the pictures, disregard the clamp I have on the water inlet line. I'm using that to slow down the water flow into the skimmer until the valve I ordered for Foster & Smith arrives. I've also indicated where the water level is on the reaction column. Thanks for the input. __________________ Equipment 120g Reef, (2) 250W XM 20K MH, (2) 110W T12 VHO Super Actinic, MRC MR2 Beckett Skimmer, 55g Sump, Iwaki Return Pump Setup August 2006

05-07-2004, 10:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
newsalt Torch coral Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 578 View Gallery Karma Komment	picture of the collection cup: __________________ Equipment 120g Reef, (2) 250W XM 20K MH, (2) 110W T12 VHO Super Actinic, MRC MR2 Beckett Skimmer, 55g Sump, Iwaki Return Pump Setup August 2006

05-08-2004, 06:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
DaveK Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Philadelpahia, PA Posts: 653 View Gallery Karma Komment	As I see it, your skimmer results seem more or less correct. Often when you start using a skimmer, you do get some wet foam, and this can be considered normal. After a coupld of days, you should see a dryer, more brown foam collected. I'd leave things alone for a few days, and see what happens. If you still think the foam is to wet, then cut back a little on the water flow into the skimmer. One additional thought, you may wish to add a drain line from the collection cup to a larger container. This will keep you from having to empty the collection cup so often. Skimmers do remove a lot of crap from the water.

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